WoW: Forever key dates: beta, launch, raids and hardcore
Every confirmed WoW: Forever date in one place, checked on 6 October 2026. We update this page when Blizzard announces something new.
The dates
- 12 September 2026: WoW: Forever officially announced.
- 17 September to 22 October 2026: public beta, with the level cap at 30.
- 27 October 2026: early name reservation for players who buy the Skyborne Epic Pack or higher.
- 4 November 2026: launch, with the level cap raised to 60.
- 9 December 2026: the first three raids unlock.
- Winter 2026: hardcore servers launch.
- Spring 2027: a major content update with new raids, dungeons and class and race combinations.
- Summer 2027: a further major update with a revamped raid and an expanded world.
What we could not confirm
We could not find a confirmed date for a server stress test (sometimes called a server slam). If Blizzard announces one it will be added here and to our events page.
Watch the clips
The best clips from each stage are collected on our events pages: the Forever beta, launch day and raid first kills. You can also browse all the best Forever clips this week.
Sources
More guides
How Clip Tavern ranks WoW clips and what the tiers mean
How clips are found, ranked and tiered from Common to Legendary, and how to get your own clip featured or removed.
WoW: Forever classes and races: the six new combinations
Which new race and class combinations WoW: Forever adds, how the Skyborne race works, and what changes for Paladins and talents.
WoW: Forever editions, prices and beta access
What WoW: Forever costs, which pack gets you into the beta, and what you need to play at launch on 4 November.
